care
a state of mind in which one is troubled; worry, anxiety, or concern: He was never free from care.
a cause or object of worry, anxiety, concern, etc.: A massage is an excellent way to forget your cares for a little while.Their son has always been a heavy care to them.
serious attention; solicitude; heed; caution: She devotes great care to her work.
the provision of what is needed for the well-being or protection of a person or thing: He is under the care of a doctor.With proper care, the watch will last a lifetime.
temporary keeping, as for the benefit of or until claimed by the owner: He left his valuables in the care of friends.Address my mail in care of the American Embassy.
grief; suffering; sorrow.
to be concerned or solicitous; have thought or regard: You can just tell she cares for people's feelings by the way she talks to them.
to be concerned or have a special preference (usually used in negative constructions): I don't care where we go, I just want to get out of town for a bit.
to make provision or look out (usually followed by for): Will you care for the children while I am away?
to have an inclination, liking, fondness, or affection (usually followed by for): Would you care for dessert?I don't care for him very much.
to feel concern about: He doesn't care what others say.
to wish; desire; like: Would you care to dance?
care about,
to have concern for or interest in: It's a privilege to stand in the presence of so many people who care about building a better Canada.They don't care about the privacy of the people who use their services.
to have affection for; love: One of my greatest joys in life is cooking for those I care about.
Idioms about care
couldn't care less, could not care less; be completely unconcerned: I couldn't care less whether she goes to the party or not.: Also could care less.
take care,
be alert; be careful: Take care that you don't fall on the ice!
take care of yourself; goodbye: used as an expression of parting.
take care of,
to watch over; be responsible for: to take care of an invalid.
to deal with; attend to: I'll take care of the bill, and you can go out and get the car started.
Origin of care
1synonym study For care
usage note For care
Other words from care
- car·er, noun
- non·car·ing, adjective
- o·ver·care, noun
- un·car·ing, adjective
Words Nearby care
Other definitions for CARE (2 of 2)
or Care
a private organization for the collection of funds, goods, etc., for distribution to people in foreign countries who need aid.
Origin of CARE
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use care in a sentence
There would be less total health care, less child care, less energy available to households, and less value added in the university sector.
Does Anyone Really Know What Socialism Is? (Ep. 408 Rebroadcast) | Stephen J. Dubner | September 17, 2020 | FreakonomicsThe report says a record 765 hospitals and other health care facilities participated in the annual Healthcare Equality Index survey at a time when they faced unprecedented challenges in caring for patients in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
HRC examines hospital policies, impact of COVID on LGBTQ people | Lou Chibbaro Jr. | September 16, 2020 | Washington BladeThose who say health care is their single top issue back Biden 77 percent to 19 percent.
Post-ABC Wisconsin poll shows Biden holding narrow edge over Trump | Dan Balz, Emily Guskin | September 16, 2020 | Washington PostRegulators and health care leaders, backed up by political leaders, must take the lead in building public confidence in the integrity of the entire vaccine development and distribution process.
6 questions that must be answered in the race for a vaccine | jakemeth | September 15, 2020 | FortuneFeigenholtz said she wants the agency to establish benchmarks on moving the children out of the hospitals and increasing specialized foster care, then report back to legislators.
Still No Answers to Lawmakers’ Questions About Children Stuck in Psychiatric Hospitals | by Duaa Eldeib | September 15, 2020 | ProPublica
Placed in drinking water, fluoride can serve people who otherwise have poor access to dental care.
He has wild swings between trying not to care about Lana and the baby, and being completely obsessed by it.
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS | Marlow Stern | January 8, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTWho among Scalise's constituents could possibly care if he supported naming a post office for a black judge who died in 1988?
Haringey Council told The Daily Beast that the children had not been taken permanently into state care.
Britain May Spy on Preschoolers Searching for Potential Jihadis | Nico Hines | January 7, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTIn these regions, men are now doing between 30 and 45 percent of the care work.
How Good Dads Can Change the World | Gary Barker, PhD, Michael Kaufman | January 6, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTI do not care very much how you censor or select the reading and talking and thinking of the schoolboy or schoolgirl.
The Salvaging Of Civilisation | H. G. (Herbert George) WellsAnd this summer it seemed to her that she never would be able to take proper care of her nestful of children.
The Tale of Grandfather Mole | Arthur Scott BaileyPolavieja, as everybody knew, was the chosen executive of the friars, whose only care was to secure their own position.
The Philippine Islands | John ForemanOn this account, great care should be taken to provide well-drained positions.
How to Know the Ferns | S. Leonard BastinYou never cared—you were too proud to care; and when I spoke to you about my fault, you did n't even know what I meant.
Confidence | Henry James
British Dictionary definitions for care (1 of 2)
/ (kɛə) /
(when tr, may take a clause as object) to be troubled or concerned; be affected emotionally: he is dying, and she doesn't care
(intr; foll by for or about) to have regard, affection, or consideration (for): he cares more for his hobby than his job
(intr foll by for) to have a desire or taste (for): would you care for some tea?
(intr foll by for) to provide physical needs, help, or comfort (for): the nurse cared for her patients
(tr) to agree or like (to do something): would you care to sit down, please?
for all I care or I couldn't care less I am completely indifferent
careful or serious attention: under her care the plant flourished; he does his work with care
protective or supervisory control: in the care of a doctor
(often plural) trouble; anxiety; worry
an object of or cause for concern: the baby's illness was her only care
caution: handle with care
care of at the address of: written on envelopes: Usual abbreviation: c/o
in care or into care social welfare made the legal responsibility of a local authority by order of a court
Origin of care
1British Dictionary definitions for CARE (2 of 2)
/ (kɛə) /
Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere, Inc.; a federation of US charities, giving financial and technical assistance to many regions of the world
communicated authenticity, regard, empathy: the three qualities believed to be essential in the therapist practising client-centred therapy
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with care
In addition to the idiom beginning with care
- care package
also see:
- couldn't care less
- for all (I care)
- in care of
- in charge (the care of)
- take care
- take care of
- tender loving care
- that's (takes care of) that
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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